It was Thursday afternoon, and Nathan kept having to reread the same document over again because of his inability to concentrate. Before he could attempt to read the text again, the phone ringing startled him out of his distracted thoughts. “Hello, Inspector Grant here,” he answered.
“Inspector, this is Superintendent Lewis,” he heard from the other line. Nathan sat up straight and started to pay closer attention to what was being said. “I wanted to personally call and thank you for all of your hard work in catching the elusive Rutherford Gang. I worked with Constable Kinslow, who was very helpful in getting them transferred here to Union City. He had many good things to say about your skills as a tracker and investigator. I knew you were the right choice for Inspector in the Hope Valley area. You’ve done a great job with Constable Bradshaw, not only as a superior but also as a mentor. Constable Kinslow feels you have been the same for him.”
“Thank you, sir. I am just doing my duty,” Nathan admitted, almost embarrassed to be getting so much praise from the Superintendent. “Is there anything I can help you with to get the case wrapped up?”
Silence on the other end for a split second started to worry him, especially when Superintendent Lewis cleared his throat and continued. “I just found out the trial starts on Monday, and I need you there to testify so we can get these guys put away for a really long time. I have also put you in for a medal of valor for your bravery and proficiency in which you conducted and secured this case. I’ll need you in Union City by Sunday, where you will testify in this trial on Monday or Tuesday. Wednesday is when our award ceremony will be held at headquarters. You are welcome to bring your daughter and anyone else important to you. I know Constable Bradshaw would have loved to attend, but I understand he’s a new father and needs to stay home to be close to his family for a little while longer.”
Ideas swirled around inside his head, and Nathan started feeling anxious that he only had two days to prepare for a trip to Union City while still trying to plan and carry out a marriage proposal worthy of the woman he loved. That is if he could find the ring he had tucked away for safekeeping long ago when his mother had given him the heirloom. He had been spending every spare minute tearing the house apart to no avail, and he knew if it didn’t show up soon he would have to buy a new one before popping the question.
Realizing he hadn’t answered the Superintendent he finally spoke again. “Sir, I will make necessary arrangements to be in Union City on Sunday. I know Allie will be thrilled to spend more time in the city.”
“I will plan on meeting you at the courthouse for trial Monday morning at 8 sharp. I will arrange for you and Allie to stay at the same boarding house from when you came to Inspector training. If you need any additional rooms, please call and let me know by tomorrow. I apologize this is such short notice.”
“I appreciate the phone call, Superintendent Lewis,” Nathan communicated. “I’m humbled and honored for any recognition for just doing my job. You have always been very supportive of me and my career and I appreciate the way you have guided me through the years. I look forward to seeing you in a few days.” They exchanged goodbyes and hung up.
Nathan was getting ready to leave the office when the door burst open and in walked Rosemary Coulter, Editor of the Valley Voice and Hope Valley’s top source for information regarding just about everyone’s business. “What can I do for you, Rosemary?” Nathan asked hesitantly.
“Hello, Nathan!” Rosemary called cheerfully. “I’m writing an article about your big criminal capture, and wondered if you had time for me to do an official interview? I may have had a source come forward with information about a medal being awarded to you next week in Union City? My newspaper would like to feature you on the front page of our next edition!”
“That really isn’t necessary,” Nathan assured her, amazed she knew about his Union City trip and award before he did. “I just got off the phone with the Superintendent, so I haven’t had a chance to make plans for my trip. I was just heading out to track down Allie and tell her the news.”
Rosemary bit her lip in frustration, trying to figure out a way to interview the town hero without making him feel uncomfortable. “I just saw Allie with Robert delivering the mail. I don’t think they will be back for at least another hour, and that is if they don’t take their time so they have more time to spend together.”
He let out a groan at the mention of his daughter spending time with the boy she, in her terms, “like-liked”. “I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to Allie spending time with boys,” Nathan lamented, but suddenly regretted his words by the pained look on Rosemary’s face. “Hey, why don’t you come sit down and talk?”
Tears welled up in Rosemary’s eyes and she wiped them away, keeping a smile on her face and trying to stay composed. “I’m sorry, Nathan. Lately I’ve just been thinking about how Lee and I are not getting any younger. I want to see him become a father, because he is so good with children. I never felt like I had strong maternal instincts, but after having Rachel stay with us it made me even more aware of my desire to raise a child.”
Knowing how the birth of Elsie had affected his own desire to have a complete family and child of his own made Nathan feel deep feelings of empathy for the Coulters. “You know, when I was in Brookfield I spoke to Lillian when she came to see Gabe at the Mountie office. She and Grace just took in a new little boy. He’s really struggling being around all of the other kids, because he is used to being an only child. His mother died in childbirth, as well as the baby sister, about a year ago. His father was a Mountie who was killed six months ago by the gang we just arrested. This poor little six year old is traumatized and has no close family able to take him in, which is how he ended up at the orphanage.”
“Oh my goodness!” Rosemary exclaimed. “That poor little boy.” More tears streamed down her face as she contemplated the plight of the new orphan in Brookfield. “I’ve been trying to get up the courage to talk to Lee about adopting. I’ve accepted that having a biological child is not in the cards for us, but adopting a child comes with its own set of difficulties. But I guess you would know that better than just about anyone.”
Nathan stood up and moved to the other side of the desk where Rosemary was sitting and put his hand on her shoulder, looking her in the eyes. “Adoption isn’t easy. Raising any child is difficult, but one who has lost parents and has no one left when you take them in is especially demanding. I have said this before, but adopting Allie is the best thing I have ever done in my life up to this point. What I share with her I would never give up, not in a million years. I will never tell you and Lee what to do, but I know that if you find it in your hearts to bring a child into your home you will be surprised how quickly they feel like you’ve had them forever. Not every situation is the same, but I am here to support whatever decisions you make to have a family.”
They both sat and pondered their own families expanding soon, until they heard the office door open and Thomas hurried in. “Hello Nathan. Mrs. Coulter, it’s good to see you again.”
“Constable Bradshaw. How are Anne and baby Elsie? I’ve heard what a darling baby she is, and apologize I haven’t been over to see her and bring a gift or food. I promise to come by this weekend to make up for that.”
“Thank you, that is so kind. I am a little biased so I think she’s the most adorable baby girl the world has ever seen, but she does have the most beautiful mother so it makes sense.” Thomas beamed with pride as he talked about his girls.
Rosemary gave him a genuine smile and looked at Nathan who also was nodding in agreement to what the Constable had said. She knew the two men had become very close, especially since they might actually become brothers if Nathan married Kathryn. She wished she had asked him how things were going with that relationship before they were interrupted, but she needed to finish writing an article she had been working on before coming to ask Nathan for an interview. She said goodbye and walked outside, determined to finally have a talk with Lee about taking the steps necessary to become parents and give all the love they had to a child in need.
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Kathryn had been trying to focus on her lesson plans all morning, but all she could think about was how strange everyone had been acting since the weekend. When Nathan first got back from his big week in Brookfield, things seemed to be so good between them. Even her relationship with Allie had strengthened as she stayed with her at the Grant’s home all week. But both of them acted like they were too busy to spend much time with her this week. Then there was Thomas and Anne who she would catch whispering until they saw her, then they would just smile and act like nothing happened. She hadn’t noticed Elizabeth come in, due to her distracted mind that kept wandering around trying to figure out what would cause such a big change in those around her.
“I hope I’m not interrupting anything,” Elizabeth remarked, setting her basket down on the desk. “You looked deep in thought.”
Kathryn smiled and shook her head, “No, no. I’ve just had a lot on my mind. How have you been?”
Elizabeth sighed heavily and sat down in a pew in front of her fellow teacher, letting her troubles all spill out of her. “I’m so confused right now. Mike Hickam wants to start seeing me. We have such a good time together, and he is good with little Jack who adores him. But I have been so bad with relationships since Jack died, that I feel like it’s not even fair to let a man get close to me and my son. I’m sorry, I’m sure this is the last thing you need to hear right now, especially from me.”
“I’m glad you feel comfortable opening up to me,” Kathryn replied. “I want to be your friend, especially since we will be working together. As far as things go with Mike, I say you do what makes you happy. However, I’m not sure I should be the one to give you advice with men, especially when I can’t figure out Nathan Grant.” She immediately realized what she said and felt a twinge of regret. “Elizabeth, I’m so sorry for bringing him up right now. Why do men have to be so confusing sometimes?”
Both women sat mulling over their respective relationship challenges in silence until they heard two giggling teenagers enter the school. Allie and Robert walked in to drop off the mail with just a simple hello. Absorbed in their own little world, they quickly went on their way to finish the route.
“I think those two have things figured out better than we do as adults,” Elizabeth observed. “Sometimes we tend to complicate what should be simple.”
Before Kathryn could respond, Rosemary burst into the school and sat down next to Elizabeth. “Oh, hello Kathryn. I just came from the Mountie office, and I’m sure you are thrilled at Nathan’s big news.”
“What big news?” Kathryn wondered, her head spinning with even more questions. “If you’ll excuse me…” She hurried to gather up her things and quickly rushed out the door, walking as fast as she could toward home. If Nathan had something important to share, why would he tell her first? She was walking so fast and furiously that she almost ran right into Inspector Nathan Grant as he was also on his way home.
“Kate!” Nathan gasped, reaching out to steady her and trying to figure out why she looked so upset. “Is everything ok, love?”
Her expression softened hearing him call her his love, but she became even more confused and demanded answers. “So, what’s your big news?”
Squinting as he tried to shield his eyes from the sun shining directly in them, he tried to figure out what she meant by “big news”. He grabbed her hands into his own and wrapped his fingers around hers. “You are going to have to explain what you mean by that.”
His touch immediately erased her frustration, and Kathryn realized how irrational she was being. “Nathan, I’m sorry. Rosemary just came by the school and said you had news that I didn’t know about, and you just haven’t been acting like yourself this week so I thought you were keeping things from me.” She looked him in the eyes and tried to get a sense of what was going on with him, but all she saw in his eyes was love mixed with concern for her.
He wrapped Kate in a hug and breathed in the scent of her that he had become accustomed to...a smell still lingering in his bedroom from when she had slept in his bed while looking after Allie when he was out of town. “I do have something I was going to tell you. I literally just got a call from my Superintendent not long ago, and I have no idea how Rosemary found out before me. Would you like to come to the house for some tea and I can fill you in on what I know?”
“Can we go to my house?” Kathryn requested. “I’ve got to check on Anne and Elsie for Thomas right now, and take these school supplies back home.”
“Sure,” he answered, taking the basket of school supplies from her and holding her hand as they began walking toward the row houses. “I was hoping to find Allie, but Florence said she is off delivering mail with Robert.” His jaw tightened thinking about his little girl spending time with a boy, even though he liked Robert more than most. He just didn’t want her to grow up too fast and was secretly counting down the months to new Mountie recruit training next spring.
They arrived at the Bradshaw’s row house and quietly entered, just in case people were sleeping inside. To their surprise, Anne was downstairs eating and trying to take a break. “Oh, hello you two. Would you like some fresh lemonade this hot afternoon?”
Setting Kate’s basket on the counter, Nathan poured two glasses of lemonade and set them on the table. “This looks very refreshing,” he commented. “How are you and baby Elsie doing today?”
Tears formed in Anne’s eyes, and she tried to brush her emotions away. “It has been a more difficult day,” she admitted. “But I think all of the sentiment from becoming a new mother is making me a little unbalanced.”
“Probably mixed with a lack of sleep,” Kathryn sympathized. As if on cue, baby Elsie began crying and the tears flowed even more down Anne’s face. “Let’s get you up to bed for a nap, and I’ll take care of Elsie for you.” She helped her sister-in-law get up the stairs, then took the baby from her cradle and returned back to the kitchen where Nathan was pouring himself a second glass of lemonade.
Elsie was still fussing, even with Kate lightly bouncing her just the way she liked. Nathan moved over and picked up the infant, putting her up against his shoulder and lightly rubbing and patting her back to move the air bubbles out of her little tummy. She snuggled into him, and Kate melted at the sight of her strong Mountie delicately and lovingly soothing a newborn. “She just likes Uncle Nathan, don’t you baby.”
Kathryn smiled, her heart fluttering at his reference of being an uncle. She knew Allie called him Uncle Nathan until the adoption was finalized and she began calling him Dad, but the implication of him joining her family someday was almost too much for her to take. “You really are so good with little ones,” she admired. “Now, what does Rosemary know that I don’t?”
He continued to pacify the baby while he spoke, but sat down across the table from Kate. “I have some good and bad news, so I’ll start with the bad. I have to go to Union City to testify in the trial of the Rutherford Gang, so I’ll be going on Sunday. I’ve also been selected for a medal given by my superiors in a ceremony while in the city, and they want me to bring Allie and whoever else would be interested.” As he told of the award, Elsie’s bubbles finally released and she let out a big burp, followed by spitting up all over Nathan’s shirt and suspenders.
“Oh no!” Kathryn screeched, trying not to laugh. She grabbed a towel from the kitchen and tried to clean both Nathan and Elsie, who finally seemed perfectly content. “It looks like you successfully found what was making her uncomfortable.” They both started to giggle as they tried to get them both clean the best they could. “You probably need to go home to clean up and change. I better change the baby and get her back down before her next feeding. I’m so proud of you for the deserved recognition. I want to talk about the trip to Union City more in depth, but I think we need to go where we won’t be interrupted. Would you like to meet me tomorrow morning at the designated Grant Family special spot just after sunrise before it gets too hot?”
“Of course. I think that sounds like a great idea. I have plans with Allie tonight to go fishing, and will talk to her about Union City. I’ll see you bright and early.” Nathan leaned down and placed a quick kiss to her lips, trying to keep the baby spit up from getting on her. “I love you, Kate. Have a good evening.” He kissed Elsie on the head, and left the Bradshaw’s to go home and change before Allie got home to spend time with him.
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It was a slow night of fishing, with barely any bites. Luckily, Allie had packed a picnic so they didn’t go hungry. Nathan was enjoying the one-on-one time with his daughter, knowing it probably wouldn’t be just the two of them much longer. He decided since the fish weren’t cooperating anyway, it was time to tell her the news that might cause a loud reaction. “Allie, I wanted to talk to you about me having to go to Union City for a few days.” He saw her face fall, but she put on a brave face, encouraging him to continue. “However, they would like me to invite you to come because I am being honored at Headquarters and they thought you might like to be there. They have already reserved a room for us at the same boarding house we stayed at in the spring.”
Her squeal would have scared off any fish that might have been around, and she nearly tackled Nathan with a hug. “I take that as a yes, you would like to visit Union City again?” he confirmed. “Do you mind if I ask Kate to come with us? I could check on getting her another room at the boarding house, or she might want to stay with the Clements - Anne’s family.”
Allie smiled and nodded. “Of course she should come! But I thought you were going to ask her to marry you soon. I’m having a hard time keeping it a secret from everyone, especially Robert! Are you going to propose in Union City? That would be so romantic,” she suggested, batting her eyes and clasping her hands together.
Rolling his eyes and slightly blushing, he questioned, “Where exactly did you learn about romance? I hope not from your own experience.”
She shook her head and said matter-of-factly, “Everything I know about romance comes directly from reading all those books. I guess that’s not necessarily real life though.”
“Well, if you must know I’m trying to find the ring and then I can come up with a plan. I know it needs to happen kind of soon, and maybe I could ask her in Union City if the ring turns up before we leave. Or maybe I’ll have to buy a new ring in the city.” He sat considering his options, when suddenly Allie perked up and threw her arms in the air.
“Wait, are you talking about Great Grandma’s ring? I know right where it is!” she exclaimed. “Remember when we first got to Hope Valley, and one day you asked me to put the ring somewhere special so you wouldn’t forget and lose it? I’ve had it in my special box with the few things I have left from my Mom, and I kind of forgot until just now that it was there. When we get home I’ll give it to you. Sorry I didn’t think of that sooner, Dad.”
Letting out a huge sigh of relief, Nathan stood and hugged Allie. “What a relief! I was worried sick that I had lost something so valuable that I really wanted to give to Kate.” Seeing that the sun was starting to lower in the western sky, Nathan suggested they pack up and head home. He had an early morning rendezvous with a gorgeous blonde woman at one of his favorite locations.
___________________________________________________________
Waiting for Nathan near the river past the waterfall, Kathryn was surprised she had beat him there since he was much better at mornings than she was. She had brought a blanket, and a basket of muffins and thermos of coffee she had made early this morning while the rest of the family was sleeping. She sat on the blanket with her eyes closed, listening to the flowing water and feeling a light breeze on her face and through her hair. She wore her favorite lavender dress, accented with her heirloom emerald jewelry that matched her eyes, and her hair was carefully curled and fell off her shoulders and down her back. Memories of the first time Nathan invited her to this place that meant so much to him filled her mind.
Before she felt his hands on her shoulders, Kathryn felt the presence of Nathan Grant - even though he moved so quietly she couldn’t hear him sneak up behind her. She kept her eyes closed as he leaned in, his lips right near her ear as he whispered, “Good morning, my beautiful Kate.”
Finally opening up her eyes and turning to face him, she admired how handsome he looked in his partially unbuttoned blue shirt that brought out his eyes, paired with matching gray pants and suspenders, and his thick dark locks combed back with one stray curl framing his forehead. They both stood and embraced for a moment, then looked briefly into each other’s eyes before moving in for a much-anticipated kiss. It had been a frustrating week for both of them, and the kiss reflected their many emotions that had been just beneath the surface for days. Knowing they were alone and wouldn’t be interrupted only caused them to let go more than usual. Air became necessary after a certain period of time, and their lips broke apart with both of them feeling breathless and alive. Kathryn put her head on his chest, listening to his racing heart and knowing they probably needed a chaperone more than ever at this stage of their relationship. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the way he ran his long fingers through her hair. Their heartbeats and breathing slowed down as they just enjoyed being close.
“I brought some coffee and muffins,” Kathryn finally squeaked. “And we need to talk about the trip to Union City.” She took Nathan’s hand and led him to the blanket where she put a little distance between them so as to not get distracted. “When would we need to be in Union City and for how long? I’m certain the Clements would let me stay with them, which would probably be smarter than both of us staying at the boarding house. I can take Allie and show her more of the city while you are busy with Mountie business, and of course we will both be there to cheer you on getting recognized at Headquarters. Maybe the three of us can even attend the theatre while we are visiting. I’ll have to ask Mrs. Clements what is playing right now.”
Eating a muffin while she had been talking, Nathan got caught up in Kate’s enthusiasm. A vision of her in that burgundy dress at the theatre, holding his hand during the performance, danced through his head. He finished the muffin and drank some coffee to wash it down. Nathan then stood and offered his hand to Kate, which she readily took and began walking with him to the exact spot they stood and talked several weeks ago. They tried to skip rocks and laughed together as they discussed what awaited them in the big city.
Nathan stuck his hand in his pocket to find a handkerchief and instantly felt his Grandmother’s ring. He hadn’t planned on proposing when he left this morning, but had decided to keep the ring in his pocket at all times until the moment felt right to put it on Kate’s finger. He slowly turned around and the sun had just come over the trees with rays of light shining through her long golden curls, making her look like an angel. He knew there would never be as perfect a moment as this to get down on one knee and ask her to be his forever.
Looking in the sky to finally see the sun appear, Kathryn basked in the beauty of that moment and looked over to see Nathan with a peculiar look on his face with his hand in his pocket. He pulled something shiny out and walked the short distance to her, stopping just short of embracing her and suddenly dropping to one knee. Her body went numb and the realization of what was happening hit her like a ton of bricks. She wanted to speak, but the ability to vocalize anything swiftly disappeared and she stood there with her mouth gaping open and her pulse sped up considerably. Nathan reached for her left hand and she put her right hand over her mouth, trying to stop the gasps that were threatening to escape.
Tears were already starting to form before Nathan could speak a single word. He swallowed and tried to compose himself before he began speaking from his heart. “Kate,” he began. “You are the most wonderful, beautiful, kind, loving, and intelligent woman I’ve ever known. There aren’t enough words to describe the love and adoration I have for you. I know without a doubt that you are the love of my life, and the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with. I want to raise a family with you, build a home with you, and grow old with you. I asked your brother Thomas, in place of your dad, for his blessing and consent to ask for your hand. I also spoke with Allie, and she is thrilled to have you officially join our family. So, with all that being said, my one and only Kathryn Bradshaw...will you make me the happiest man on earth and marry me?” By the time he finished speaking, tears were flowing freely down both their faces, and both of their hands were trembling as Nathan slipped the ring onto Kate’s finger.
Kathryn looked at the beautiful antique gold ring that was delicately carved like a rose, with a ruby as the center stone, and tiny diamonds surrounding it to make it sparkle even brighter. “Oh Nathan, it is absolutely perfect and the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen!”
“So is that a yes,” he teased, standing up and kissing where the ring now sat on her hand.
“Yes, yes, yes!” she cried. “Nathan Grant, I never in my wildest dreams thought I would find a man like you who is strong, yet kind and a natural protector, father, and friend. I could search the world over and not find anyone else better suited for me than you. As a bonus, you are the most handsome man I’ve ever laid eyes on. Being a part of the Grant Family is an absolute dream come true.”
If she hadn’t been done talking, she lost the chance to say another word when Nathan picked her up and swung her around in pure joy. He set her down slowly and put one hand through her hair and rested it on the back of her neck. His other hand tipped her chin upward and he leaned down to meet her lips with his own, exploring them freely and passionately. His hand went behind her back and he pulled her closer to him, enjoying the sweet taste of his new fiancé.
All thoughts totally escaped Kathryn’s mind as she shared her first ever kiss as an engaged woman to the man of her dreams. Wanting to continue, but knowing they had to keep boundaries they had both set long ago, she gently pulled away. “I love you, Nate,” Kathryn murmured, their foreheads resting together.
“I love you more, Kate,” Nathan breathed, his voice cracking with emotion. “My dream of having a complete family is about to come true. I can’t wait to see what this new chapter will bring. Suddenly this little piece of heaven became an even more important plot of land to the Grant Family.
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